Dalton News

Dalton Stands United for Ally Week

Many Dalton community members from all three divisions took a pledge to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Each year, Dalton observes GLSEN Ally Week, focusing on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for Dalton students, parents, faculty and staff members who identify as LGBTQ+.
 
On Monday morning, First Program parent and student volunteers kicked off Ally Week by handing out ally stickers for interested children to wear on their clothes or backpacks. The FP also launched its annual Family Book Bag Project, where students can select and explore age-appropriate books with themes such as All Kinds of Families, Racial and Cultural Diversity, and Kindness and Respect for Others.
 
“At First Program, we have the unique opportunity to support students early on in identity development,” said 3rd Grade House Advisor Kenneth Hamilton. “As we do with other celebrations throughout the year, we strive to develop a sense of belonging. It is imperative that every student and family can see their identities reflected in our school community.”
 
Dalton’s Middle and High School Spectrum clubs organized and ran a Pledge Booth each morning in the 89th Street lobby and 4th floor library. At the booth, Spectrum members talked with community members about what it truly means to be an ally and encouraged people to sign the pledge book and wear a rainbow pin as a symbol of proud solidarity.
 
“Ally Week at Dalton is about engaging and learning, instead of strictly celebrating allies to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Dalton Librarian Kieran Raines. “We can all be allies and we all have room to improve ourselves and our community!”
 
For the Middle School, Ally Week culminated at the Friday assembly, where special guest speakers from across the Dalton community talked about their experiences being an ally and gave advice on the different ways anyone can be an ally through courtesy, inclusivity, and courage.
 
Whether by learning, teaching, organizing, or simply supporting their fellow community members, Dalton proudly takes the pledge to be an ally each and every day.
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